Christmas Puppy Chow is a festive twist on the classic snack mix that everyone loves! It’s made with crunchy cereal coated in a mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, sprinkled with colorful holiday sprinkles to bring some Christmas cheer to every bite.
I always look forward to making this around the holidays because it’s quick to whip up and freezes well for later snacking. I like to tuck it into little treat bags as gifts for friends and family—it feels like sharing a warm hug in snack form. Plus, having a bowl of Christmas Puppy Chow on hand means I have a sweet, crunchy treat whenever the holiday craziness gives me a craving.
To me, the best part is how simple ingredients come together to make something so fun and festive. It’s great for parties, movie nights, or just cozying up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Whenever I make it, I remember the excitement of holiday baking as a kid and that cozy feeling of sharing treats with loved ones.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chex Cereal: Rice or corn Chex works best for a light and crunchy base. If you can’t find Chex, cornflakes or puffed rice cereal are good alternatives.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chips give the classic chocolate flavor, but feel free to use dark or milk chocolate depending on your taste.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter blends easily and coats the cereal smoothly. For nut-free options, try sunflower seed butter or soy butter.
Powdered Sugar: This adds the signature sweet coating. You can swap it with coconut sugar powder for a less sweet flavor, but it won’t stick as well.
Holiday Sprinkles or M&Ms: These add festive color and extra crunch. If you want less sugar, use colored nuts or dried fruit instead.
How Can You Get Every Piece of Cereal Perfectly Coated?
Even coating is key for great Puppy Chow. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix the melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter gently but thoroughly before adding cereal.
- Add cereal in one big batch, then carefully fold it in with a spatula to coat without breaking the pieces.
- Transfer coated cereal into a large bag or bowl before adding powdered sugar.
- Add powdered sugar in small batches. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then shake or stir gently to coat evenly.
- Spreading the mixture on a baking sheet to cool helps it set and prevents clumping.
Patience and gentle mixing make sure you get that perfect, sweet, and crunchy snack every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large microwave-safe bowl – I prefer this for melting the chocolate and peanut butter evenly without extra dishes.
- Large mixing spoon or spatula – allows you to gently fold the cereal into the melted mixture without breaking it.
- Resealable plastic bag or large bowl with a lid – perfect for shaking the cereal in powdered sugar for even coating.
- Baking sheet or large tray – helps spread out the coated cereal to cool and set smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredients, especially for the powdered sugar and sprinkles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white chocolate or caramel melting chips instead of chocolate for a different sweet flavor.
- Add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to the powdered sugar for a festive mint twist.
- Mix in chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Swap sprinkles or M&Ms with holiday-shaped marshmallows for a softer, chewy surprise.
Christmas Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup festive red and green holiday sprinkles or M&M’s (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Christmas Puppy Chow recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Most of the time is spent melting the chocolate mixture, coating the cereal, and letting it cool for about 10 minutes. It’s a quick and easy snack to make for holidays or any festive occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.
2. Coat the Cereal:
Pour the cereal into the melted chocolate mixture. Gently fold the cereal with a spatula or spoon to coat each piece evenly without breaking the cereal.
3. Add Powdered Sugar:
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Add the powdered sugar in batches. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and gently shake or stir to coat all the cereal pieces with powdered sugar.
4. Let It Cool and Add Sprinkles:
Spread the coated snack onto a baking sheet and let it cool and set for about 10 minutes. Once slightly set, gently mix in the holiday sprinkles or M&M’s for a festive touch.
5. Serve or Store:
Serve your Christmas Puppy Chow in a festive bowl or package it in gift bags to share with friends and family. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes! Just make sure to stir the natural peanut butter well before melting to help it combine smoothly. The texture might be a bit different, but it will still taste delicious.
How Long Does Christmas Puppy Chow Stay Fresh?
Store your Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as it can cause the powdered sugar to clump.
Can I Make This Recipe Nut-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter to keep it nut-free. These alternatives melt similarly and maintain the creamy coating texture.
Is It Okay to Use White Chocolate Instead of Semisweet?
Definitely! White chocolate adds a sweeter, buttery flavor and pairs well with the holiday sprinkles. Just melt and mix it the same way as the semisweet chocolate.
